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Gaming + Work = Geforce or Quadro?

Tags:
  • Gaming
  • Workstations
  • Quadro
  • Nvidia
  • Laptops
  • Geforce
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 29, 2013 7:01:27 PM

Hey everyone, this is my first post here so hopefully I don't sound too nooby but...
I'm getting a new laptop for college with main specs as follows:
Intel i7 4th Gen clocked @ 2.4 GHz
8 GB DDR3 Ram
1 TB HDD
15.6 inch screen
Windows 8 64-bit

The thing is I'm an engineering major so I will need to run some software modeling programs. Right now the programs I know are SolidWorks SDK, Dreamspark, and possibly AutoCad. However, I will also be doing some gaming on this laptop (nothing too extreme, maybe LoL, SC2, Sims 3, and Skyrim) so I know I need a good GPU. Would I be better off getting a gaming GPU like a nVidia Geforce or a work-oriented GPU like a Quadro? I'm not too sure about the models but I was looking at Geforce 650M or Quadro 2000M. If I get a Quadro I will have to get a Workstation laptop. So I have 1 main question and 2 random questions that are somewhat relevant:

1) Should I go with a Geforce or a Quadro if I want to work and play? (Which is a better mix?)

2) Why do workstation laptops cost so much? It is possible to get a laptop with similar specs that cost a good amount less. I was thinking it was mainly because of the Quadro GPUs. I asked my friend and he said that they were built with a better chassis, better battery, and intended to last longer overall. Is this true? Is there more?

3) What is the difference between 3D modeling and 3D rendering? I keep seeing this over the forums and I'm a bit confused here.

Thank you so much and sorry if I went too much into detail or made this longer than necessary.

More about : gaming work geforce quadro

October 1, 2013 10:06:31 PM

A Geforce model with lots of compute. Pick up a pair of dirt cheap GTX 580's, you'll be sorted.
October 2, 2013 7:35:07 PM

Isn't the GTX 580 a desktop GPU?
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October 2, 2013 8:34:42 PM

NotSoSavvy said:
Isn't the GTX 580 a desktop GPU?


GTX580m
October 2, 2013 8:40:00 PM

oh wtf, i never even considered that someone would want to get a laptop for work or gaming that requires significant GPU grunt. Yes, the GTX 580M.
October 3, 2013 8:23:07 PM

So you guys think I'll be better off with a Geforce than a Quadro for my purposes?
October 3, 2013 11:15:51 PM

NotSoSavvy said:
So you guys think I'll be better off with a Geforce than a Quadro for my purposes?

I would say a good geforce is good for you're schooling. Ever considered an amd card?

October 7, 2013 3:11:18 PM

^^ Actually I've been looking into them. I think they might be better off for both work and play since most nVidia drivers are optimized for only one.
October 7, 2013 3:30:20 PM

NotSoSavvy said:
^^ Actually I've been looking into them. I think they might be better off for both work and play since most nVidia drivers are optimized for only one.


look up the compute stats before buying. As I said before, the 580M is going to be a very strong contender for you.
October 7, 2013 3:49:00 PM

NotSoSavvy said:
^^ Actually I've been looking into them. I think they might be better off for both work and play since most nVidia drivers are optimized for only one.
If you can find one with a 7970m it will destroy the 580m.

!